Make-A-Wish(R) Rope for Hope Raises Nearly $900,000!

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 6, 2014) - This year, Make-A-Wish^® Rope for Hope took place from coast to coast and raised nearly $900,000 to support wish-granting efforts in communities across Canada. From May through July, more than 500 individuals challenged themselves to rappel down a local city skyscraper and raise funds as part of Make-A-Wish^® Canada's national signature event.

The nationwide event took place in eight locations: Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, London, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Rope for Hope is a unique challenge event that calls on participants to fundraise a minimum of $1,500, in exchange for a thrilling experience to go over the edge of a well-known city structure.

"Expanding Rope for Hope from two to eight sites this year allowed us to engage more Canadians to support our wish-granting efforts in the communities where they live," said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "Having rappelled in Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary, I can truly say that Rope for Hope is an exhilarating and life-changing event that everyone should try at least once! With the battles that our courageous wish children face every day, 10 to 20 minutes of 'fear' for a participant is totally manageable and supports a fantastic cause."

"This is my third year taking part in this wonderful event," said Brian, wish dad and Rope for Hope team captain. "The inspiration that I get from each wish fulfilled by Make-A-Wish, including my son Owen's wish to be a firefighter, encourages me to raise as much money as I can so more magical wishes can come true for these kids."

Rope for Hope has raised nearly $1.3 million since 2012 when it first launched in Toronto.

Interested in signing up for 2015? Visit www.ropeforhope.ca to register for next year in a city near you!

Special thanks to Make-A-Wish^® Rope for Hope national sponsors: Chairman's Brands, Klean Kanteen, Clif Bar, Captivate Network and all of the local sponsors who made these events possible.

About Make-A-Wish^® Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight (8) regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast to coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International. Make-A-Wish^® is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 334,000 children since 1980. For more information, please visit www.makeawish.ca

Click here to read this news release in French.

Cliquez ici pour lire ce communiqué de presse en français.